Dying friend inspired David Harewood

London: Actor David Harewood says he decided to become an organ donor after watching one of his close friend die.

The 47-year-old actor has joined a list of famous people including business tycoon Richard Branson to raise awareness for the National Transplant Week campaign titled Pass It On, reports contactmusic.com.

The campaign started Monday.

In a promotional video, Harewood shared his experience.

"When you actually see death, it`s such a powerful thing. I suppose, I thought he would just look like he was sleeping... but that something special is missing and that`s when it hits home. That`s when you realise they`re dead. I`ll never forget that sight," he said.

The `Homeland` star, who played Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) executive David Estes in the US political thriller, had previously donated his bone marrow to help a stranger in 2007.